Arsenal are set to delay Theo Walcott's shoulder operation after Abou Diaby picked up an injury in the Carling Cup final, with the teenager making a real impression on manager Arsene Wenger.
Walcott has not been at peak form for some weeks and the club felt a shoulder complaint was impacting on his performances.
He had been slated to go for surgery after Sunday's Carling Cup final with Chelsea, but he produced an excellent effort in Cardiff and scored the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat.
And his fine effort combined with an injury to Diaby has prompted Wenger to rethink his plans.
Diaby picked up an ankle injury in the incident which left John Terry unconscious and Wenger now wants Walcott to play on.
"We had planned a shoulder operation for Theo but maybe I will try to delay it because we have lost Abou," Wenger said.
"I wanted to let him have the surgery so he can start next season without any problem. It is not a big operation but it looked to me like he can play with it."
Wenger was delighted with the 17-year-old, as he added: "It was important for Theo to produce a good performance.
"You can score a goal and not play well sometimes, but, in my opinion, he had a very good performance and scored a great goal.
"That is good for us and good news for England."
the calmness and composure was sublime for his age when he scored the goal
Gunners to delay Theo surgery
Arsenal may opt to delay shoulder surgery for Theo Walcott following an injury to Abou Diaby in the Carling Cup final.
England's youngest ever player was due to go under the knife following the final in Cardiff on Sunday and would reportedly have missed the rest of the domestic season as a result.
Walcott has suffered from the niggling shoulder ligament injury throughout the campaign and Gunners boss Wenger was willing to sanction surgery in a bid to clear up the problem.
However, a foot injury to fellow midfielder Diaby means that Arsenal may postpone Walcott's treatment for the time being.
"We wanted him fit for the start of next season but then Abou Diaby got injured so probably we will have to delay it," said Wenger.
The game at The Millennium Stadium saw Walcott claim his first goal for The Gunners, before Didier Drogba's double ensured that Stamford Bridge will house the trophy next season.
very good goal from him, i was awwed.
how did his injury come about?
His goal was brilliant.. the buildup was great. Arsenal domination was good for the 1st 15min.. after tt went downhill le.